Bio-actuated micro-pumps do not need any external power source and pose no risk of electrical or heat shock for the biological materials in lab-on-chip systems. Several different designs of bio-actuated micro-pumps based on the use of the contractile force of cultured cardiomyocites have been proposed earlier. Here we present a novel type of a bio-actuated micro-pump representing a microfluidic channel with a contractile wall. The flow inside the channel is generated by the peristaltic movement of its wall caused by the propagation of an excitation-contraction wave along the channels surface. The directional flow generated by the pump was demonstrated by tracking of polystyrene microspheres, moving in the direction of the propagation of the excitation-contraction wave with an average velocity of 6-8 μm/min. The suggested design of a micro-pump allows the control of pumping direction, which might be useful for targeted delivery of fluids and substances in lab-on-chip systems. Prospects of future development and implementation of this kind of bio-actuated peristaltic pumps are discussed.

In the last decade, in vitro experiments have shown that mechanical properties of the bases could markedly influence the efficacy of differentiation of the induced pluripotent and embryonic stem cells and their development into the mature phenotype. By changing of mechanical, elastic and structural characteristics of the base, it is possible to increase the percentage of stem cells that differentiate to cardiomyocytes.The study was aimed at evaluation of the effects induced by changing physical characteristics of the base on the formation of phenotypic characteristics of cardiac cells. This included the comparison of structural properties of the cultured layer of heart tissue obtained by changing of elasticity and structure of polymeric bases. The results showed significant differences in calcium activity and structural characteristics of cardiomyocytes depending on the base properties, as well as significant variation in the excitation conduction. As long as conduction abnormalities in the heart tissues can often lead to occurrence of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, the results can be used to determine patient groups at increased risk of death from heart failure.